Full Rent Payment Program – In a groundbreaking move to combat homelessness and economic hardship, the South African government has announced a fully subsidized rental assistance programme for low-income families. Starting July 2025, families earning less than R5,000 per month will be eligible to have their entire monthly rent covered by the state. This initiative aims to support the most vulnerable segments of the population struggling with housing affordability amid rising living costs and unemployment. This new rent subsidy scheme is part of a broader government agenda to tackle poverty and ensure that no South African goes without a roof over their head. The Department of Human Settlements has officially confirmed that the subsidy will initially roll out in selected urban and peri-urban zones across all nine provinces, prioritizing areas with high rates of displacement and informal settlements. The rent payment programme targets households in informal jobs, pensioners, single-parent families, unemployed youth, and the elderly who are often unable to meet rental obligations. Tenants living in privately-owned rental units, hostels, and community-run housing will also be covered under specific terms and conditions. A full list of approved areas and landlords participating in the scheme has now been published. This article outlines all the important details you need to know — from eligibility criteria and approved regions to the application process and monthly limits. It also answers frequently asked questions to make sure you don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity.
Who Qualifies for the Full Rent Payment Program?
Only specific categories of citizens are eligible for this full rental subsidy under the new July 2025 housing support policy.
- South African citizens earning less than R5,000 per household monthly
- Unemployed youth under 35 without any grant income
- Registered SASSA beneficiaries (Old Age, Disability, Child Support, SRD)
- Pensioners with no additional income or assets
- Single parents with dependents
- Domestic workers, gardeners, or informal sector employees
- Families currently residing in shacks, backyard rentals, or informal settlements
Provinces and Areas Approved for Full Rent Payment Program
The program will be rolled out in phases across several key locations. The following table includes the areas that have been officially approved by the Department of Human Settlements.
| Province | Approved Cities/Towns | Region Type | Rent Limit (Monthly) | Units Available | Local Authority | Application Centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | Johannesburg, Soweto, Ekurhuleni | Urban | R3,500 | 6,000 | Gauteng Housing Dept. | JHB Civic Centre |
| Western Cape | Cape Town, Mitchells Plain, Khayelitsha | Urban/Peri-Urban | R3,800 | 5,000 | Western Cape Gov | Cape Town Hall |
| KwaZulu-Natal | Durban, Umlazi, Pietermaritzburg | Urban | R3,000 | 4,200 | KZN Housing Board | Durban Housing Hub |
| Eastern Cape | East London, Mthatha, Port Elizabeth | Peri-Urban | R2,800 | 3,700 | EC Human Settlements | EL Civic Centre |
| Limpopo | Polokwane, Thohoyandou | Rural/Urban | R2,500 | 2,500 | Limpopo Housing Dept | Polokwane Hub |
| North West | Rustenburg, Mahikeng | Urban | R3,000 | 2,200 | NW Housing Authority | Mahikeng Branch |
| Free State | Bloemfontein, Botshabelo | Urban | R2,700 | 2,000 | Free State Dept. | Bloemfontein Mall |
| Mpumalanga | Nelspruit, Secunda | Peri-Urban | R2,600 | 1,800 | Mpumalanga Human Set. | Nelspruit CBD |
| Northern Cape | Kimberley, Upington | Rural | R2,300 | 1,200 | NC Housing Unit | Kimberley Office |
How to Apply for the Full Rent Payment Program
Applications will open from July 1, 2025. Interested families must follow a structured process to ensure successful registration.
- Visit your nearest Housing Department or SASSA service point
- Carry valid South African ID documents for all adult family members
- Provide proof of income (bank statement, payslip, or affidavit if unemployed)
- Attach rental agreement or proof of residence
- Complete the Rent Subsidy Application Form (RS-A2025)
- Get biometric verification done at the service centre
Required Documents Checklist
Applicants must ensure the following documents are ready to avoid delays:
| Document Type | Mandatory for All Applicants |
|---|---|
| SA ID or Smart Card | Yes |
| Proof of Income | Yes |
| Rental Agreement / Letter | Yes |
| SASSA Card (if applicable) | Yes |
| Utility Bill / Address Proof | Yes |
| Affidavit (if unemployed) | Yes |
Rent Cap and Payment Schedule Details
Once approved, beneficiaries will receive monthly rent payments directly to the landlord’s account. These payments are non-repayable and continue for 12 months.
- Maximum rental payment capped at R3,800 depending on the area
- Payments released monthly between the 1st–5th of every month
- Covered period: July 2025 to June 2026
- Households can reapply annually if income remains below R5,000
- Rental increases by landlords are not allowed during coverage
Payment Duration and Renewal Timeline
| Month of Start | Coverage Ends | Renewal Window |
|---|---|---|
| July 2025 | June 2026 | April–June 2026 |
| August 2025 | July 2026 | May–July 2026 |
| September 2025 | August 2026 | June–August 2026 |
Roles of Landlords in the Scheme
The government has made it mandatory for landlords to register in the programme to receive direct rent subsidies.
- Landlords must sign a declaration not to evict tenants during subsidy period
- Must accept payments via EFT only, no cash
- Agree to maintain liveable housing standards
- Provide tenants with receipts and written agreements
- Cannot charge above rental cap defined for the area
Penalties for Non-Compliance by Landlords
Landlords who breach contract rules will be:
- Permanently blacklisted from future housing programs
- Fined up to R50,000 for illegal evictions
- Reported to local housing tribunals for legal action
Application Helpline and Contact Information
To assist citizens, the government has launched a toll-free hotline and province-wise WhatsApp helpdesks.
National Housing Subsidy Helpline
| Service Type | Contact Info |
|---|---|
| Toll-Free Hotline | 0800 12 34 56 |
| WhatsApp Support | +27 71 234 5678 |
| Email Support | [email protected] |
| Working Hours | Monday–Friday, 9am to 5pm |
This government-backed rent payment programme is a much-needed relief for thousands of struggling South African families. As housing becomes increasingly unaffordable, this step offers dignity, stability, and hope. Be sure to apply before the slots fill up in your area.
FAQs of Full Rent Payment Program
Q1: Can I apply if I am unemployed with no formal documents?
Yes, you can submit an affidavit confirming your unemployment along with a proof of residence.
Q2: Will this scheme be available in rural areas?
Yes, certain rural towns have been included in the approved area list.
Q3: What if my rent is more than R3,800?
The program will only pay up to the capped amount; you must cover the remaining balance yourself.
Q4: Can I apply if I already receive another housing grant?
No, double-dipping across housing schemes is not allowed. You must choose one.
Q5: Is this rent subsidy taxable or does it affect my SASSA payments?
No, it is non-taxable and does not interfere with your existing grants.